Silver Spring, MD – The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local officials have been investigating a cluster of illnesses associated with Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor sold in 5- and 25-pound bags.

On February 7th, 2014, the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network (CORE) was notified of a cluster of illnesses at three public schools in Katy, Texas. Thirty-four students and four teachers experienced burning, itching rashes, headaches and nausea for 30 to 90 minutes, before the symptoms went away. Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor with the lot number 351EKGRV01, made by Mars Foodservices of Greenville, MS, was the common food item eaten by ill students.

One of the recalled products

On December 4th, 2013, the Illinois Department of Public Health notified CDC of 25 children with similar skin reactions following a school lunch that served an Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice product. North Dakota reported a similar incident that occurred on October 30th, 2013. Three children in a daycare and one college student experienced flushing reactions 45 minutes after consuming an Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice product.

Mars Foodservices is recalling all bags and all lot numbers of its Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products produced in 2013:

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Roasted Chicken Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Garlic & Butter Flavor (5-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Pilaf (5-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Saffron Flavor (5-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Cheese Flavor (5-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Spanish Flavor (25-pounds)

Although this product is not typically marketed to individual consumers, it may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.

Uncle Ben’s Brand Ready to Heat, Boxed, Bag or Cup products sold at grocery stores and other retail outlets are not being recalled.

Investigation into this outbreak continues.

What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?

The symptoms associated with this illness include a red burning/itching rash, headache, nausea, and flushness of the skin.

The symptoms appear very shortly after consuming the rice product and pass within 30 to 90 minutes.

What Specific Products are being Recalled?

Mars Foodservices is recalling all bags and all lot numbers of its Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products produced in 2013:

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Roasted Chicken Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Garlic & Butter Flavor (5-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Pilaf (5-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Saffron Flavor (5-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Cheese Flavor (5-pounds)

Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Spanish Flavor (25-pounds)

The products are sold to food service companies. However, they may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.

Who is at Risk?

People of any age can experience symptoms. The illnesses in Texas included people of different ages (children and adults).

What Do Food Service Companies and Consumers Need To Do?

Food service companies and consumers who may have purchased the products should not use the rice, and should return it to their distributor or point of purchase or dispose of it.

What Does the Product Look Like?

Where is it Distributed?

The products are sold directly to food service companies that typically distribute to restaurants, schools, hospitals and other establishments. The products have also been found over the Internet, including Amazon and warehouse-type retailers, such as Sam’s Club.

About the Food and Drug Administration

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.